Ryan Kelly making good impression on Lakers

Moments after making his Lakers debut in last week’s preseason loss to Golden State in Beijing, Kelly made a three-point shot. It brought reminders why the Lakers drafted the former Duke standout 48th overall in this year’s draft.

It also prompted a prominent Lakers’ star to provide some positive feedback.

“Kobe (Bryant) said to me, ‘You just fired up a three on your first shot. I think I would’ve tried taking it to the basket,’ ” Kelly recalled. “I said, ‘Hey that’s what they brought me here to do.’ ”

The only question remains if Kelly will have enough time to showcase his worth.

He stayed sidelined for summer league and most of training camp while rehabbing his surgically repaired right foot. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni also described Kelly as “all over the place” after averaging five points on 36.6 percent shooting in 12 minutes through two preseason appearances.

The Lakers have only two exhibition games left against the Utah Jazz, including tonight at Staples Center and Friday at Honda Center. The Lakers then will trim their 16-player roster either to 14 or 15 on Saturday so those players have time to clear waivers by the Monday deadline.

“I believe I’ve shown myself enough and I’ll continue to show that I’ve earned a spot on this team,” Kelly said. “I’m in a situation where I’m a little bit behind. But it doesn’t matter. I’m out on the court now where I have to prove what I can do every day.”

Shawne Williams and Elias Harris are expected to make the roster partly because they have partial guarantees on their one-year contract. The other candidates — Kelly, Xavier Henry and Marcus Landry — have non-guaranteed deals. Henry has become the team’s most pleasant surprise in training camp in averaging 12.3 points a game and shooting 55.6% from three-point range. Landry has shot only 27.6 percent from the field.

Lakers general manager and former North Carolina standout Mitch Kupchak also could add to the fabled rivalry with Duke by cutting Kelly.

Does that feel unsettling?

“Only from you guys,” Kelly said, smiling. “Since the season hasn’t started yet, I won’t hear anything quite yet.”

Injury update

Lakers center Chris Kaman missed his second consecutive practice because of stomach issues and is considered doubtful tonight against Utah.